POLICE believe witnesses may be holding back vital clues to the death of a 42-year old man found unconscious in a pub car park.

Detectives at Maidstone and Malling Police have encountered what they say is a "wall of silence" over the events of July 24.

Graham Wales, who had been staying with close relatives in Maidstone, was found lying on his back in the carpark of The Bird in Hand Pub, Stockett Lane, Coxheath. He died four days later in hospital.

According to police reports, Mr Wales entered the pub alone at about 3.30pm drinking in the saloon bar until about 7pm.

The single unemployed man, who previously lived in Flimwell, was seen chatting to other drinkers and bar staff before leaving and entering the carpark. He was found slumped on the ground just 25 minutes later.

A post mortem carried out on July 29 failed to determine how he died, although police have confirmed he had sustained a head injury. Further tests are now being carried out in London.

In a heartfelt statement Mr Wales' sister Jackie pleaded with anyone with information about her brother's death to come forward.

She said: "I am heartbroken to have lost my only brother in such dreadful circumstances. My parents are devastated at having lost a kind, gentle son. I would beg anyone who saw anything that could help the police, to come forward. Imagine if it was your brother or son. You too would want to know desperately what happened."

Det Insp Tony Kofkin from Maidstone CID said officers were keen to hear from anyone in or around the pub between 2.30pm and 8.30pm that day.

He said: "I am convinced that there are persons inside or outside the pub who could greatly assist our investigations into the circumstances leading to the death of Graham Wales. We still need to piece together exactly what happened to him in the carpark after leaving the pub.

"For whatever reason maybe because of fear of reprisals or intimidation due to the five arrests that have been made so far there are persons who are not fully co-operating with police. They should know police will do everything we can to ensure witnesses do not suffer intimidation."

Five men were questioned by police following reports of an assault at the pub. All were released on police bail pending further enquiries.